Understanding Male Fertility and Integrative Care 

Introduction provided by Reproductive Partners Fertility Center – San Diego (RPSD). 

Male fertility is an important part of the reproductive picture, yet it is often less discussed than female reproductive health. For many individuals and couples, fertility treatment can bring significant emotional and physical stress. Some patients choose to explore acupuncture as a supportive therapy—particularly for its potential to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help them feel more balanced while navigating care.  

To offer insight from an integrative perspective, we invited fertility-focused acupuncturist Karen Sulger, L.Ac., to share how acupuncture can serve as a complementary therapy during male fertility evaluation and treatment.  

ENHANCING MALE FERTILITY  

Guest contribution by Karen Sulger, L.Ac., licensed acupuncturist specializing in reproductive health. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and East Asian medicine offer a holistic approach to supporting male fertility by considering sperm health, overall vitality, and emotional well-being as interconnected. Rather than viewing reproductive function as an isolated issue, this perspective looks at sperm quality as one reflection of broader health patterns. While research is ongoing, some patients incorporate acupuncture as a supportive therapy alongside medical treatment to promote general wellness and reduce stress while navigating fertility care.  

Emerging studies have explored acupuncture’s potential role in areas such as motility and morphology, hormonal regulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These findings are preliminary, and the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, but they offer insight into how acupuncture may serve as a complementary approach for individuals seeking additional support during male fertility evaluation and treatment.  

When we talk about fertility, the focus is often placed on the ovaries and uterus. Yet sperm-related factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. Whether someone is navigating fertility care alone or with a partner, and whether building a family through intercourse, IVI, IUI, or IVF, including sperm health in the overall picture is important.  

In TCM, reproductive health is viewed as part of a person’s foundational vitality. From a Western standpoint, this concept aligns with the understanding that hormone balance, cellular function, circulation, inflammation, and lifestyle behaviors can influence sperm production. Unlike egg supply, which is finite, sperm are produced continuously — offering an opportunity for supportive therapies, lifestyle adjustments, and stress reduction techniques to potentially influence sperm parameters over the approximately 72-dayspermatogenesis cycle.  

Sperm health is also increasingly recognized as a reflection of overall wellness. Lower sperm parameters have been associated with metabolic, cardiovascular, and hormonal concerns. Patients often report that supportive therapies such as acupuncture help them feel more balanced, improve sleep, reduce stress, and enhance their sense of well-being during the fertility journey.  

Acupuncture is not a standalone treatment for male infertility, but it may serve as a calming, integrative therapy that supports the body during a physically and emotionally demanding process. When used alongside evidence-based medical treatments, it can provide an additional layer of support for patients seeking a more holistic approach to reproductive wellness.  

Karen Sulger, LAc 

Acupuncture Continuum, Inc. 

317 N. El Camino Real, Suite 401  

Encinitas, CA 92024 

(760) 635-0581 

Integrating Acupuncture into Fertility Care 

Conclusion from Reproductive Partners Fertility Center – San Diego (RPSD). 

Acupuncture is one of several integrative therapies some individuals incorporate to help manage stress and support overall wellness during fertility care. While research continues to grow, many find that acupuncture provides a sense of relaxation and emotional balance as they move through evaluation and treatment.  

At RPSD, we recognize that the fertility journey can be challenging. Approaches that support mental and emotional well-being may help patients continue with treatments such as IUI and IVF, which can ultimately influence outcomes. If you are considering acupuncture as part of your care, we encourage you to speak with a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in fertility and to keep your reproductive endocrinologist informed of any supportive therapies you choose to explore.  

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